The schedule and logos of the pope’s first international apostolic journey have been made public. In Iznik, a prayer will be held at the site of the ancient Basilica of Nicaea, where archaeological work is currently underway; in Istanbul, the pope will visit the Blue Mosque, but not Hagia Sophia (which Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI visited). In Lebanon, the pontiff will join an interfaith meeting in Martyrs' Square and stop at the port devastated by the 2020 explosion.
Turkey’s opposition leader calls the new case a plot to remove him from office. For observers and government opponents, this is another attempt to take over the city after the ruling AKP lost at the polls. Erdoğan dual track includes repression for opponents and critics at home, and peace mediation abroad (Gaza and Syria).
Azerbaijan might provide troops for the Gaza international stabilisation force under Trump’s peace plan. For 30 years, the Muslim nation in the Caucasus has been a key ally of the Jewish state as well as a channel of communication with Turkey. Bilateral relations are based on the common fight against Islamic extremism and terrorism.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed the law, which has already come into force. For its promoters, it is a response to the leaks of confidential information during the “12-day war” with Israel (and the United States). Critics respond that the government has only targeted ordinary people, without punishing senior officials or those responsible. In the background is the serious economic crisis the country is going through.
It is one of the oldest places of worship on the Arabian Peninsula and is a ‘symbol of faith, history and devotion that attracts the faithful’ from all over the region. Consecrated in 1940, on 8 November it will celebrate an event considered a ‘milestone’ for Catholics in the Gulf. A rector will be appointed to preserve and promote its ‘historical dignity’ and ‘spiritual character’.
Northern Cyprus’s president-elect won over 62 per cent of the vote, beating incumbent President Ersin Tatar, who was backed by Erdoğan. Turkey’s far right is calling for the vote to be invalidated, pushing for reunification. For his part, Turkey’s president is more cautious, adopting a conciliatory tone. At issue are the island's future and its ties with Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Erdoğan is set to travel to the Persian Gulf on a three-day visit.
